Course description and learning outcomesEndangered languages have become a key issue in contemporary linguistics and neighboring fields. The aim of this course is to raise students’ awareness of the importance of the topic and to introduce them to results and methods of current research. Through case studies they will learn about different types of endangerment, reasons for language death, and practices that further language maintenance and revitalization. In addition they will learn basic principles and techniques of modern language documentation.
Students will practice their skills in gathering and critically evaluating information, using online resources and accessing digital language archives. They develop further their skills in reading academic English and giving presentations in English.
Interested students will have the opportunity to develop their own research plan (for example, for a BA or MA thesis).

Language endangerment: What does it mean for a language to be endangered? Why do languages die? What are different types and degrees of endangerment? What do we lose when a language dies? (2 lectures with discussion and exercises)

2 presentations about an endangered language (according to a given plan; the two presentations may concern the same languages)

Adequate language skills: lecture and presentations will be given in English. Resources will be in English or other languages (Spanish, Russian, German, Polish and others, depending on availability and students’ preferences). Knowledge of languages other than English is not required, but may be of advantage.

Get hooked!
Visit the portal languagesindanger.eu and start your journey into the world of lesser known and endangered languages! (Website developed at Adam Mickiewicz University, available in English, Polish, German and Hungarian)